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PROCEEDINGS 



or A MEETING 

Held in Philadelphia on the 4th of JVovember, 1824, 
(24th October, O. S.) 

TO COMMEMORATE THE LANDING OF 



3^ 



WZLLZAM PENN 

ON THE ..- — 

SHORE OF AMERICA, 

On the 24th of October, 1682, 

BEING THE 142d ANNIVERSARY OF THAT 

Juvat in Sylvia habitare. 

1824. 



-J 



^'\ 



What has appeared to ub extraordinary in the institutions 
of Greece, has actually taken place amongst the dregs and 
corruption of modern times. A virtuous legislator has formed 
a people among whom probity appears as natural, as courage 
among the Spartans. William Penn is a true Lycurgus, 
and although peace was the object of the former, as war 
was of the latter, they resemble each other in the singular 
course into which they have led their respective people; in 
the ascendancy that they have had over freemen, in the pre- 
judices that they have conquered; and in the passions that 
they have subdued. 

Montesquieuy Spirit of Laws, B. 4, C. 6. 



1 A NUMHER of gentlemen of the city and 

) county of Philadelphia^ united to celebrate 

\ the landing of WILLIAM PENN, on 

Thursday November 4, (October 24, O. S.) 

1824. 

One hundred and forty-two years have 
passed since that great and good man, the pa- 
triarch of Pennsylvania first trod the shores 
of the Delaware; and this event was comnie- 
morated at the house now occupied as an inn 
by John Doyle, in Laetitia Court, between 
Front and Second streets, which by tradition 
we are assured, was the Mansion-house of 
the Founder of Pennsylvania. 

It has long been felt and acknowledged as 
a reproach in Pennsylvania, that the memory 
of that philanthropist and statesman; of him 
who, by his wise and benevolent regulations, 
by his firm and fearless support of the prin- 
ciples of civil freedom and the rights of con- 
science; by his liberal and enlightened policy, 
may be justly called the Father of our happy 
and prosperous Republic, has not been held 



IV 

ill greater veneration; and that hitherto a day 
has not been annually set apart, in which the 
citizens of Pennsylvania might unite in ex- 
pressing their gratitude to the author of so 
much good, and in honouring a name which 
is respected by the wise and virtuous through- 
out the civilized world. 

Under the confident hope that the proceed- 
ings of that day will be read with pleasure by 
every Pennsylvanian and by our brethren of 
Delaware, who, in common with ourselves ac- 
knowledge William Penn as the Founder; 
they are now made public. If the propositions 
for the formation of an association in honour 
of the memory of William Penn, which have 
been made shall be adopted, and hereafter the 
day of his landing shall be properly comme- 
morated by the citizens of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware, the highest satisfaction will result 
to us, and the recollections of the 4th of No- 
vember, 1824, will be ever among the most 
grateful of our lives. 



PROCEEDINGS. 

ON the 4th of November, (October 24, 
old style,) 1824, at the house once the pro- 
perty and residence of WILLIAM PENN, 
in Lsetitia Court, now an inn, kept by Mr. 
John Doyle, eighteen gentlemen assembled in 
honour of the day, on which, one hundred and 
forty-two years ago, the founder of Pennsyl- 
vania first landed in America. Peter Ste- 
phen DupoNCEAu, Esquire, was appointed 
president, and John Read, Esquire, vice-pre- 
sident of the day. John F. Watson, Esq. 
of Germantown, performed the duties of se- 
cretary. 

Mr.Duponceau then delivered the following 

ABBRESS, 

In this hallowed place, my fellow-citizens, 
we are met for the first time, to commemorate 
together, after the lapse of 142 years, the first 
settlement of this great State, under the guid- 
ance of our immortal founder, William Penn. 
The house which he inhabited while residing; 



among us has been, I miglit almost say, provi- 
dentially preserved from the fate of co-tempo- 
rary buildings, to be tlie scene of the first sol- 
emn mark of respect paid to that great man 
and the worthy companions of his fortunes, by 
those who have so long enjoyed the ])enefit 
of his labours. This sanctuary, which public 
gratitude should have encompassed with a 
wall, in order to preserve it for the veneration 
of posterity, is now a common caravansary, 
whose dailv inmates think little of the sacred- 
ness of the ground on which they are treading. 
Yet to this circumstance we owe that we are 
permitted to assemble in it for the pious pur- 
pose that brings us together. From this mo- 
ment it resumes its former dignity; to us at 
least, it is still the mansion of William Penn, 
we feel his spirit in the atmosphere that we 
breathe, we seek in every nook and corner of 
it for some traces of the illustrious man, we see 
in imagination the spot where he used to sit 
while dictating laws to a virtuous and happy 
people, we have a right to fancy that we are 
sitting in the same place where he used to take 
his frugal repast. If the souls of the blest can 



look down from heaven on the spots of this 
earth that was once dear to them, this meeting 
must be a pleasing spectacle to our sainted pa- 
triarch. 

A beneficent Providence permits, from time 
to time, the appearance upon this earth of one 
of those privileged mortals, whose minds be- 
ing infused with a more than ordinary portion 
of celestial fire, affords the strongest proof of 
the divine origin of our species and of the im- 
perishable nature of the human soul. 

Igneus est ollis vigor Sf coelestis origo. 

But men of this description are very rare, 
and whenever they appear, they are either a 
scourge or a blessing to mankind. For to them 
it is given, no doubt for wise purposes, to rule 
the destinies of nations by the irresistible as- 
cendancy of a powerful mind. The fame of 
such a man is a crown of glory to the country 
to which he belongs, therefore every nation 
strives to trace its origin to some great and dis- 
tinguished character, and when history fails 
them, they have recourse to fabulous stories. 
Hence, Hercules, Theseus, ^neas, and so 



8 

many other fabled beroes, with whose imagi- 
nary exploits our boyhood has been entertain- 
ed. It is unfortunately too true, that greater 
respect is paid to the memory of those who 
have distinguished themselves by the destruc- 
tion and subjugation of their species, than those 
whose constant aim has been its preservation 
and improvement. The mass of mankind are 
like children, struck by the glare of physical 
power, while the moral force that works un- 
seen, as it is not perceivable to their senses, 
escapes their intelligence. Yet there are fa- 
voured nations whose minds, by means of free 
and liberal institutions, and of an extensive dif- 
fusion of knowledge, are raised above those 
vulgar prejudices, and who can estabhsh a just 
comparison between the benefactors and the 
destroyers of mankind. 

We are therefore certain, that we are acting 
in unison with the popular feeling of this en- 
lightened "^tate when, we meet together to give 
a public testimony of our respect for the me- 
mory of William Penn, and to commemorate 
his first landing on our shores with the worthy 
companions of his labours. By this we not only 



pay a just debt of gratitude, but we raise and 
ea^alt the character and dignity of our own 
State, which came into existence, rose and 
flourished under the auspices of that great 
man. If the citizens of Massachusetts have 
just cause to be proud of their pilgrims, whose 
landing on their shores they annually celebrate 
with a solemnity worthy of the occasion; how 
much more have we not reason to pride our- 
selves on our own pilgrims and their illustrious 
leader; whose fame is only bounded by the 
extremities of the earth; and what greater name 
can we select as a rallying point for Pennsyl- 
vanians, than that of William Penn? It is only 
to be regretted that it has not been done soon- 
er; but that may be accounted for from various 
motives. 

A century and a half has not yet elapsed 
since that memorable landing took place which 
may be said to have given birth to this great 
State; and a rapid succession of astonishing 
events within the last fifty years, has drawn 
our attention from the past, to fix it upon the 
present. A WASHING^TON has appeared, 

B 



10 

who has given a new birth to an immense coun- 
try, of which this State is only a part; this 
country, from dependent colonies, has become 
a great nation, and assumed a distin^^uished 
station among the powers of the earth. Na- 
tional feelings and national objects have made 
us for a while lose sight of local ones; and the 
honours of Pennsylvania have been merged in 
the glories of the United States of America. 

But while, as citizens of this great empire, 
we pay a deserved tribute to the illustrious 
men whom our union has produced; while 
every revolving year sees us commemorate 
with festivity and song the day which gave 
birth to a Washington; and while the echo of 
the acclamations with which we have but a few 
days since greeted the great and good Lafay- 
ette, has not yet ceased to reverberate; why 
should we be forgetful of that admirable man, 
to whom as a State we are indebted for our 
political existence; of that sage, who by the 
unanimous voice of mankind, has long since 
been ranked with Numa and Confucius, and 
with the greatest among the legislators of an- 
cient and modern times? Surely it cannot be 



11 

said that we do not duly appreciate his merits^ 
that we do not venerate his memory, that we 
are not sensible of the immense benefits that 
we have received at his hands, and of the 
honor that we derive from being entitled to 
call him peculiarly our own. Let us nt)t doubt, 
therefore, that the example that we set will be 
hereafter regularly and extensively followed; 
and that this day will every year be set apart 
by every true Pennsylvanian for the comme- 
moration of the first landing upon our shores 
of William Penn and his virtuous followers. 
Nor should the annual celebration of this 
happy day be confined to this city or to this 
State. Our neighbours of Delaware have the 
same right with ourselves to participate in it. 
It was the town of New Casde that witness- 
ed the first landing of our common father and 
legislator; afterwards, Chester, then our capi- 
tal (for Philadelphia had no existence) re- 
ceived the first impressions of his foot-steps. 
If it were therefore permitted to me to suggest 
a plan for this annual festival, I would recom- 
mend that it should take place alternately in 
one of those two ancient towns, and in this 



12 

great city, of which William Penii laid the 
foimdation, and which was the particular ob- 
ject of his fostering care; in such manner as 
should be agreed upon by those citizens of 
Pennsylvania and Delaware who participated 
in our feelings, and are disposed to join us in 
the celebration of this day. Nor should this 
venerated mansion be forgotten on the succes- 
sive returns of this anniversary. While a su- 
perstructure shall remain on its foundation, the 
name of William Penn should at least once a 
year be remembered, with gratitude within its 
walls. As it can only accommodate a small 
party, it is to be hoped that it will, every year 
on this anniversary, be filled Avith admirers of 
William Penn, assembled in commemoration 
of the day. With these vieAvs, gentlemen, I take 
the liberty to propose, that we proceed immedi- 
ately to the appointment of a committee who 
shall be instructed to correspond with our 
brethren of Delaware, and make arrangements 
with them and with our fellow-citizens of this 
State, to carry into execution the plan which 
I have just now suggested; or any other that 
will appear to them best suited to the object 



13 

that we have in view. And may a kind Provi- 
dence bless these our endeavours to promote 
the cause of virtue^ by cherishing the memory 
of him whose whole life was devoted to it. 



On motion, it was then resolved, That the 
address of Mr. Duponceau, and the proceed- 
ings of this day be published in a pamplilet; 
and in the newspapers. 

The proposition contained in the address of 
Mr. Duponceau, "that this day shall every 
year be set apart for the commemoration of 
the first landing of William Penn and his vir- 
tuous followers, on our shores," was received 
with unanimous approbation. In order to form 
an association in which the citizens of Dela- 
ware and Pennsylvania may unite in an an- 
nual celebration of this day, it was resolved, 
That a committee, to consist of five of the 
gentlemen present, be appointed to correspond 
with the citizens of Delaware and Pennsylva- 
»ia on the subject of the proposed association. 



14 

Peter S. Diiponceau, John Read, William 
Meredith, Richard Peters, junr. and Thomas 
I. Wharton, Esqrs. were appointed the com- 
mittee. 

Resolved^ That the gentlemen present will 
re-assemble at this house on the first Wed- 
nesday in February next, at 7 o'clock in the 
evening, when the Committee of Correspon- 
dence will report their proceedings, and a 
plan to render the association permanent. 

The company then sat down to a sumptuous 
and well-served repast. The president of the 
day was seated in a chair furnished by Mr. 
John F. Watson. It had been used by Wil- 
liam Penn and James Logan. On a brass plate 
affixed to the back of the chair, was the fol- 
lowing inscription: 

*♦ FRUITFCI. or RECOLLECTIONS. 
SIT AND MUSE. 

This seat of William Penn and James Logau, 

A gift to J. F. Watson, by Deborah Logan, 
1S24." 

The chair was made of English walnut, 
having carved arms, and a cane back and 



15 

seat. It is an elegant relic of ancient times. 
Two arm chairs, made of the wood of the elm 
tree, under which Wm. Penn held his treaty 
with the Indians in 1684, were furnished by 
Mr. John Bacon, in one of which the vice- 
president sat. 

The centre of the table was ornamented 
with a model of a monument made by Havi- 
land, of part of "the treaty tree." The vene- 
rable Dr. Collin, rector of the Swedes' church, 
was requested by the president to invoke a 
blessing. In a pious and fervent prayer to the 
^^ Giver of all good gifts," he eloquently al- 
luded to the occasion, upon which the guests 
were assembled. At the close of the day he 
returned thanks. 

The following sentiments were offered from 

the chair: 

ij The memory of our illustrious founder Wil- 
liam Penn, the first among philosophers and 
leiiislators. 

2, The State of Pennsylvania; may it never 
abandon the principles of virtue and mo- 



16 

rality, which were the basis of its first set- 
tlement^ and to which it is indebted for its 
rapid rise, and unexampled prosperity. 

3, Civil and religious liberty. It was to enjoy 
these blessings that our forefathers gave up 
the comforts and luxuries of Europe, and 
adopted the sublime motto, Juvat in sylvis 
habitare. 

4, Our brethren of the State of Delaware; and 
the memory of the union that formerly sub- 
sisted between us. May we unite hereafter 
in commemorating annually the landing of 
our common father and benefactor. 

5, Coaquannock, the grove of the tall pine 
trees. May forests of masts before our city 
always justify the truth of this ancient 
name. 

6, Old Upland, our ancient capital. There 
was first proclaimed that Great Law which 
combined, in a manner before unexampled^ 
the principles of freedom with the precepts 



17 

of virtue and morality. Happiness to the 
borough of Chester and its inhabitants. 

7y The Lenni Lenape, our predecessors in this 
land, wherever they may be scattered. They 
have never forgotten their great friend Mi- 
qnon;* the friends of Miquon will never 
forget them. 

8, The treaty under the elm tree. May a suit- 
able monument on that consecrated spot; 
preserve for ever the memory of that com- 
pact which was never sworn to, and never 
broken. 

9, The memory of Grovernor Printz and the 
Swedish inhabitants who first settled our 
territory. They were an honest and a vir- 
tuous race, and we are happy to number 



* Miquo7i was the name which the LenrU Letiape or Dela- 
ware Indians gave to William Penn. The Iroquois, or Six Na- 
tions called him 07ias. Both these words in their respective 
languages signify a quill^ or pen, 

c 



18 

among us many of their worthy descen- 
dants, f 

10, Our German fellow-citizens; the solid co- 
lumns of industry and perseverance. 

11, The memory of James Logan, the faithful 
and enlightened friend and companion of 
William Penn. 



f Upon this toast being given, Dr. Collin rose and observed, 
that the Swedish colonists had no war with the Indians, but 
lived in a constant friendly intercourse with them. The go- 
vernor of the colony, and all in authority, had strict orders 
to treat them with integrity and humanity, to furnish them 
with suitable goods in exchange for their peltry and other 
wares; to bring them by gentle degrees into a civilized and 
Christian mode of life; to purchase from them as the true 
owners of the land, what they wanted for the present, and 
more in future; as might be stipulated. 

The Swedes did not, howevei", depend for safety on the 
friendship of the Indians, but were always well armed for 
defence. It seems that these tribes often requested presents; 
and that at one time, some turbulent persons among them, 
endeavoured to excite hostilities, but were overruled by the 
majority, who urged that the Swedes had used them well and 
were formidable as brave and skilful warriors. 



19 

12, May the commemoration of this day as 
it is a just subject of pride, be also a bond 
of union among Pennsylvanians, without 
distinction of sect or party. May the name 
of our beloved city be for ever expressive of 
the feelings of the inhabitants of this State 
towards each other; and from the Ohio to 
the Delaware, may the whole of this noble 
commonwealth be one Philadelphia. 

The following volunteer toasts were given: 

William Penn, the emulator of Aristides, 
and the rival of Solon. May his wise princi- 
ples of moral and political justice for ever 
guide the councils of Pennsylvania. By John 
Readf Esq. 

The memory of Franklin. By Thomas I. 
Whartoriy Esq. 

May the ^' sword of the spirit^' gradually 
lessen the want of human swords, and finally 
break them all. By Br. Collin. 

The memory of Charles Thompson, the 



20 

secretary of the great Chief Tedyuskung who 
surnamed him ^^ The Man of Truth." By Mr. 
J. P. J\^orris. 

Perpetuity to the policy of William Peim. 
who preferred the treaty-making to the de- 
stroying power. By Mr. Alderman Wharton. 

The memory of the Welsh who accompa- 
nied William Penn. By Mr. J. S. Lewis, 
President of the Welsh Society. 

The memory of James Logan, the confiden- 
tial friend of William Penn, the profound 
scholar, and the enlightened statesman; the 
patriotic founder of the public library which 
bears his honoured name. By Mr. Z. Poulson. 

The Rights of Conscience. May they never ' 
be forgotten by the Legislators of Pennsylva- 
nia. To preserve them our ancestors took re- 
fuge in the wild forests, and founded our great 
and prosperous republic. By Richard Peters, 
junr. Esq. 



21 

Religious Toleration, the priinum mobile of 
the settlement of Pennsylvania. By Mr. Geo. 
Fox. 

The memory of Anthony Benezet, a name 
dear to the recollection of thousands. By Jo- 
seph WatsoUf Esq. Mayor of the city of Phi- 
ladelphia. 

The memory of Mrs. Hannah Penn, an ex- 
ample to our wives and daughters. By Mr. J. 
P. JSTorris. 

The memory of Robert Proud, the annalist 
of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, to whom 
we are indebted for the preservation of many 
valuable incidents of our early history. May 
his posthumous fame surpass his living reward. 

"He impoverished himself to benefit posterity." 

By Mr. J. F. Watson. 

John Penn, of Stoke-Pogis, (England) a 
worthy descendant of the founder; such a de- 
scent requires no title to adorn it. By William 
Meredithf Esq, 



22 

One of the maxims of the great founder, 
*^^Good instruction is better than riches/'' — 
May the sentiment become universal in Penn- 
sylvania. 

After the president had retired, 

The learned and benevolent Duponceauj 
whose head and heart have contributed to il- 
lustrate the character of the founder of Penn- 
sylvania, and zealously to recommend his vir- 
tues to the notice and imitation of mankind. 

After the vice-president of the day had re- 
tired, 

John Read, Esq. an honour to Delaware, 
his native state, a useful and distinguished 
citizen of Pennsylvania. 

Amongst other curious antiquities which 
were produced, Mr. Joseph Parker Norris 
exhibited a silver snuff-box, with the follow- 
ing inscriptions: 

THIS BOX PRESENTED BY WILLIAM PENN, ESQ^. 
ON HIS LEAVING THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVA- 
NIA, TO THOMAS ILOYD, 1684; — PETER ZACHARY 
LliOYD TO JOSEPH PARKER NORRIS, 1799. 



23 



A chrystal seal was also shown to the com- 
pany by Mr. Norris. The beautiful stone of 
which the seal was made was presented to 
Isaac Norrisj by an Indian chief on the occa- 
sion of the treaty with the Indians, in 1710. 



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